They’re all quintessential Amsterdam “must-dos” but once they’ve been ticked, head south from Central Station to the former working-class neighbourhood of de Pijp.

Amsterdam’s Canals.

A memorial in Sarphatipark commemorates physician, philanthropist and urban planner, Samuel Sarphati. In 1866, with the grandeur of Paris and Vienna in mind, he presented council with plans for de Pijp.

Samuel Sarphati Monument in Sarphatipark.

His vision for large apartment blocks, spacious villas and wide avenues was rejected over housing labourers from the nearby diamond industry and brewery in cheaply built flats on long narrow streets.

De Pijp is a very different neighbourhood today. Artists, students, executives, singles and families create a melting pot of personalities and nationalities. This bohemian district commonly referred to as the Latin Quarter is perfect for paraphernalians to #eat #drink #explore & #shop.

A visit to de Pijp is not complete without browsing Albert Cuypmarkt. Stretching the length of Albert Cuypstraat, up to 300 market vendors set up Monday to Saturday.

Although Albert Cuypmarkt is a tourist destination, locals shop the stalls for some of the best-priced produce in Amsterdam. You’ll find everything from bread, cheese, vegetables and seafood to clothing, jewellery, crockery and flowers.

Tulips @ Alber Cuypmarkt.

Parallel on Gerard Doustraat, start planning that new kitchen fit-out. The funkiest of contemporary ovens, sparkly espresso machines and all your crockery needs are met.

For 50’s vintage reproductions head intoThe Girl Can’t Help It. It’s not all polka dots and petticoats, expect a little sass.

Should the need for connectivity arise, Stroom on Ferdinand Bolstraat has you covered. With free Wi-Fi, great coffee, brunch and lunch, our de Pijp blog post might even get written onsite. (Who are we kidding? There’s far too much to see and do.)

Step into Barrique for locally sourced produce, much of it from around the corner at Albert Cuypmarkt. Savour house made Foie Gras, Dutch cheeses and international wines by the glass. The open kitchen allows easy banter with the chefs. They’ll share menu and wine list highlights while divulging tales of de Pijp’s ascent.

Inside Barrique.

If you’re serious about oysters, fish and bubbles then stop at Brut de Mer because they are too. The marble bar has been specially designed to support cages of today’s best oysters, shucked on the spot so you can have as many or as few as you like. Pair them with their extensive vinos and bubbles or try the Côte de Poisson, a weekly special for 2 using the best seafood on offer with citrus, chilli, coriander, ginger and garlic.

Freshly shucked and delivered daily. oysters @ Brut De Mer.

Not to be missed is Brouwerij Troost. Located in an old monastery, Brouwerij Troost is now the only onsite brewery in de Pijp. Also distilling gin from Troost beer they have a changing cocktail selection highlighting both.

Troost Brouwerij in an old monastery.

For a refreshing libation order the Hoptimus Lime: IPA, Gin, lime and mint. For something with a bit more grunt, the Smokin’ Bacon is a show-stopper. Smoked porter, whisk(e)y, and maple syrup garnished with a crispy bacon rasher.

Troost bread contains the beer’s spent grain, pickled cauliflower on the “Dutch Plates” is beer infused and surprisingly, Troost beers are served in bottles and on tap for your drinking pleasure. 😉

Hoptimus Lime @ Troost Brouwerij.

Another Amsterdam stalwart you may recognise is Heineken. Originally brewed onsite in de Pijp the brewery now operates as a museum. Tours trace the 240-year history of Heineken. The “bottle run ride” takes you through a bottle of beer’s complete production run and you’re the bottle! You can even invest in a VIP private tasting with a fully fledged Heineken beer connoisseur. It’s enough to create a thirst!

Lastly, don’t forget Sarphatipark on a beautiful spring day. Gather a picnic from the stalls at Albert Cuypmarkt, throw in a bottle of wine or some beers and contemplate Samuel Sarphati’s original vision of de Pijp. Somehow, we think he’d be rather pleased with the way it turned out.

You have presented a fresh and different perspective of Amsterdam. The post takes the reader beyond the usual things associated with Amsterdam. It gives a slice of the everyday life of the city which is so interesting.

I have been to Amsterdam several times now but I never heard of de Pijp. We went to Heineken museum the first time we went and it was my first time visiting a beer brewery. I would love to have some oysters at Brut de Mer. Thanks for showing us another part of Amsterdam.

Hi Shona, Good post! I De Pijp sounds like a cool place. I’ve only ever been in the airport in Amsterdam – I’ve been meaning to pop over there for a long weekend for years though. 7 of my friends went there for the weekend a few years ago – their first port of call was one of Amsterdam’s infamous coffee shops – after the coffee shop they sat in a pub and nobody said a word for 6 hours, other than: ‘have you got a light?’ or ‘what time is it now?’ Bunch of dafties!. I’d love to stop… Read more »

Oysters are my favourite too! There are so many places to try in De Pijp it could take quite a few days. Your friends sound hilarious! I must admit, my first visit to Amsterdam many years ago I also made a beeline for a coffee shop then ended up in a pub. It was a tiny place run by an Irish hippy. He wanted to check out the competition so somehow I ended up behind the bar covering for him. A most amusing afternoon, that’s for sure. You’ll have to get there soon and let me know what you think!… Read more »

I must confess on my recent visit to Amsterdam I went straight to the Red Light District! I did also visit De Pijp as my hotel was there. I walked through the Albert Cuypmarkt and every tourist should walk through it on a visit to Amsterdam.

Love your list of things to do in De Pijp – I love beer breweries so Brouwerij Troost would definitely be somewhere I would head to on my visit. Unlike many people, I have only visited Amsterdam once but would absolutely love to go again and explore some less touristy areas! Love this post and definitely saving for later!

I love Amsterdam and, despite visiting 10 times now, there is always something new I hear about that makes me want to return and your post on de Pijp is one of them! Great read, have pinned for future reference so thanks for sharing #feetdotravel